BMW 3 Series-based Crossover production confirmed

There are rumors for more than three years that BMW will bring a 3 Series-based crossover. Now the rumors have been confirmed as BMW has announced the production of this new crossover. The new BMW will be badge F3 and will go on sale on the North American Market after 2010. The F3 will be a direct competitor for Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4.

The new BMW CUV will be based on a modified version of the existing 3 Series platform. It will also get various components from the next-generation X3 and the new FlexRay system, which is aimed at providing the new car with a stable network for a raft of advanced electronic driver aids and safety features.

The standard F3 will be a RWD model, but next to it BMW will offer an xDrive four-wheel-drive system in combination with certain engines.

The F3 will be powered by a range of engines including four- and six-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines (the same as for the X3). The top models will receive an updated version of the 3.0-liter, 300-hp, twin-turbocharged engine unveiled in the 335i Coupe.